Cinderella...and the shoes fits

Carrie Sturrock wrote a wonderful uplifting column that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. She introduces us to Sandra Budde, a middle school principal, who has a Marine son in Iraq. Having a son in Iraq, as one would imagine, is giving alot to our country. In that aspect alone, Mrs. Budde has our utmost respect and support. But Mrs. Budde is one of those people that hasnt stopped there. Nor did her son. Marine Lt. Ben Budde was concerned about the children walking about with no shoes in the desert heat. When his mother asked him if there was something he needed, he replied, "Yes, mom, sandals." His mom went and bought a few pair of sandals, then mentioned the idea to Jo Loecher at the school. Jo organized the campaign in short order and soon the student body of Charlotte Wood Middle School responded with enthusiasm. In one short week, over 500 pairs of sandals had been collected. And it continues to grow.
It comes as no surprise to me that the response would be so wonderful. From the article, the spirit that fills the reader is one of positive energy. When confronted with the costs of sending the collected treasures to Iraq, Jo Loecher doesnt hesitate in her belief that someone will come through. Sandra Budde told me that the project has since struck a chord with the community. The school is now planning to send monthly shipments to Iraq for at least the next six months. "It would bring a tear to your eye to witness the unbelievable generosity of the American people, especially among our student population. We have had adults walk in with cash, wishing to remain anonymous, but wanting to help out with the shipping. We have had shoe stores, shoe manufacturers, banks and other organizations call to donate shoes, funding or assistance. This has been the most heartwarming experience of my professional career." How can one not smile when reading that? Once again, I notice that the one who is making the effort mentions the reward that they get, not the act of generosity that they are giving. It is what makes us one of the best nations on this earth, this spirit of giving, the American spirit.
If you would like to a part of this honorable experience, you can help.
If you wish to donate sandals or make a contribution towards shipping or postage, please make checks out to CWMS; Operation Cinderella, and send to Charlotte Wood Middle School, 600 El Capitan Drive, Danville,CA 94526.
Thank you Carrie Sturrock for being a positive influence and writing this wonderful story and bringing it to the attention of a nation in need of good news. Thank you Lt. Budde, for being a shining example of what is good in all of us, for your service, for your care. Thank you Sandra Budde for raising such a fine young man, and for the work that you do everyday with our children. Jo Loecher, to you our thanks for allowing dreams to become reality, and having and teaching the faith that anything is possible. And last but surely not least, thanks to the students of Charlotte Wood Middle School for responding and showing others what a great generation we can look forward to . This is a school that teaches by example and shows the student the power in one. God bless you all.